Ukiah Unified School District needs public input

The Ukiah Unified School District is asking for the public to comment on its Strategic Plan, which is now available on its website for review.

UUSD board trustee Megan Van Sant said the document will "develop and articulate the goals of the district for the next three years," and urged residents to read it and submit comments.

"This document is going to be very significant because it will shape our budget decisions for the next year and beyond," Van Sant wrote in an e-mail alerting people to the draft plan.

Along with outlining the district's vision and mission, the plan lists five potential Strategic Goals and Initiatives:

1. To design and implement a challenging curriculum and robust instructional strategies which actively engage our students in learning and prepare them for higher education and/or a career, and continue as life-long learners.

2. To create a safe, orderly, healthy and respectful learning environment that values diversity and collaboration for our students and staff.

3. To engage our parents and community in a collaborative partnership that supports the success of our students.

4. Strengthen the systems, structures and processes which enable us to achieve our vision and goals.

5. Obtain the resources necessary to achieve and accomplish our vision, and align those resources to the appropriate goals and strategies.

The plan also includes a "Profile of a Successful Graduate," which it describes as being:

? Prepared for college and career

? A critical thinker and problem solver

? Adaptable, innovative and culturally competent

? An ethical decision maker

? An effective communicator and collaborator

According to the district's schedule, several committees and groups are now reviewing the plan, and the superintendent is responding to comments in writing.

Next month, the plan will be revised and the UUSD board will read the new plan and make more revisions as necessary. The final approval of the plan is expected to be in May.